Minutes of the Forty-Second Anniversary of the State Convention
of the Baptist Denomination in S. C., Held at Greenville, July 25-28th, 1862.
Together with an Abstract of the Proceedings of the Board of Trustees
of Furman University, Held at the Same Time and Place:
Electronic Edition.

South Carolina Baptist Convention.

Funding from the Institute of Museum and Library
Services supported the electronic publication of this title.

Source Description:(title page) Minutes of the Forty-Second Anniversary of the State Convention of the Baptist Denomination in S.C., held at Greenville, July 25th-28th, 1862. Together with an Abstract of the Proceedings of the Board of Trustees of Furman University, Held at the Same Time and Place.
South Carolina Baptist Convention.
37 p.,
Columbia, S.C.
Published for the Convention, By E. R. Stokes
1862
Call number 4384 Conf (Rare Book Collection, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)

The electronic edition is a part of the UNC-CH
digitization project, Documenting the American South. This electronic edition has been created by Optical
Character Recognition (OCR). OCR-ed text has been compared against the
original document and corrected. The text has been encoded using the
recommendations for Level 4 of the TEI in Libraries Guidelines.
Original grammar, punctuation, and spelling have been preserved. Encountered
typographical errors have been preserved, and appear in red type.
All footnotes are moved to the end of paragraphs in which the reference occurs.
The tables on pages 148 and 149 are both encoded as text and scanned as images.
Any hyphens occurring in line breaks have been
removed, and the trailing part of a word has been joined to
the preceding line.
All quotation marks, em dashes and ampersand have been transcribed as
entity references.
All double right and left quotation marks are encoded as " and "
respectively.
All single right and left quotation marks are encoded as ' and ' respectively.
All em dashes are encoded as --
Indentation in lines has not been preserved.
Running titles have not been preserved.
Spell-check and verification made against printed text using Author/Editor (SoftQuad) and Microsoft Word spell check programs.

TOGETHER WITH ANABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS
OF THEBOARD OF TRUSTEES OF FURMAN UNIVERSITY,
HELD AT THE SAME TIME AND PLACE.

COLUMBIA, S. C.: PUBLISHED FOR THE CONVENTION, BY E. R. STOKES.
PRINTED AT THE SOUTHERN GUARDIAN OFFICE.
1862.

*As some persons may wish to preserve and bind the Minutes of the
Convention, it has been thought best to number the pages continuously from year to year. The pages of this year's Minutes will be found numbered with reference to those of last year.

GREENVILLE, FRIDAY, July 25, 1862.

The introductory Sermon was preached at 11, A. M., by Rev. J. C. Phelps, from Job 7: 17, 18; after which the Convention was called to order by the President, Hon. J. B. O'Neall, and the names of delegates enrolled.

The Convention then proceeded to ballot for officers, when the following were elected:

Hon. J. B. O'NEALL, President.

Rev. J. C. FURMAN, D. D., Vice President

Rev. J. M. C. BREAKER, Secretary.

Prof. C. H. JUDSON, Treasurer.

Prayer was then offered by Rev. Dr. Johnson, and the Convention proceeded to business.

An invitation was extended by the Chair to ministers of our own and other denominations, not delegates, to take seats and participate in the deliberations; which was accepted by Rev. M. T. Sumner, Corresponding Secretary of Domestic and Indian Mission Board, Rev. C. H. Lanneau, Rev. J. F. Auld, Rev. E. T. Buist, D. D.

On motion of Dr. R. Furman, it was agreed that the sessions of the Convention shall be held from 91/2, A. M., to 1, P. M., and from 4 to 6, P M.

The Convention then went into recess.

FRIDAY -- AFTERNOON SESSION.

The Convention met, and was called to order by the President.

The Greenville Association, on application, was received to membership in the Convention, through their delegates, W. B. Johnson, D. D., J. Harrison, G. W. Brookes.

SATURDAY -- MORNING SESSION

Convention met, and was called to order by the President. Prayer by Rev. L. R. Gwaltney.

The report of the Treasurer of the Bible and Mission Board, Brother Carwile, was presented. (See Report -- No. 1.)

Brother Sumner then proceeded to address the Convention and congregation in behalf of Domestic and Indian Missions, when donations were made, amounting to $364 30 in cash, and the promised proceeds of the sale of a bale of cotton.

Prof. Judson presented his report as Treasurer of the Convention, which was referred to the Committee on Accounts. (See Report -- No. 2.)

Prof. Judson presented the report of the Secretary of the Education Board for last year, its unfinished state having prevented its presentation at the last meeting of the Convention. (See Report -- No. 4.)

The Committee on time and place of next meeting, reported, through their Chairman, J. C. Smith, recommending Darlington C. H. as the place and Friday before the last Sunday in July, 1863; as the time, of our next meeting; that the Introductory Sermon be preached by Rev. Dr. W. Williams, Rev W. D. Rice his alternate; the Charity Sermon by Rev. Dr. J. A. Broadus, Rev. Dr. J. C. Furman his alternate. Concurred in.

(See Report -- No. 5.) After which Brother Rice presented his report as General Superintent of the Sunday School and Colportage Agency (See Report -- No. 6.), which was followed by remarks from brethren Broadus, Culpeper, Carson, and others, and contributions to the amount of $245 50. Report adopted.

Convention went into recess.

SATURDAY -- AFTERNOON SESSION.

The Convention met, and was called to order by the President.

The Committee to nominate the Boards of the Convention reported, through their Chairman, Brother Carson. Report adopted. (See Report -- No. 7.)

Dr. Manly, for the Committee to nominate a Board of Agents, submitted their report, which was adopted. (See Report -- No. 8.)

The Committee on Accounts reported, through their Chairman, Prof. Edwards,

That they had examined the Treasurer's report, submitted to them, and found that the moneys had all been appropriated according to the will of the contributors, and are all properly vouched and explained. No other accounts were submitted to them.

Brother Snider submitted the report of the Committee on list of ministers and their post offices, which was adopted.

The Convention then adjourned. Prayer by Rev. A. Rice.

SUNDAY, July 27, 1862.

The Charity Sermon was preached in the Baptist Church at 11 o'clock, A. M., by Rev. L. R. Gwaltney, from 1 Peter, 2:7, after which a collection was taken up, amounting to

$96 60. At the same hour Rev. J. M. C. Breaker preached in the Presbyterian Church, and Rev. M. T. Sumner in the Methodist. In the afternoon Rev. J. C. Phelps preached in the Presbyterian, and at night Rev. J. G. Landrum in the Baptist Church.

MONDAY, July 28, 1862.

The Convention met and was called to order by the President. Prayer by Rev. W. D. Rice.

The Committee to nominate the Board of Trustees of Furman University, and to determine the number of votes to which each Association is entitled, reported, through their Chairman, Brother W. D. Rice; whereupon an election was held, which resulted in the choice of the following: (See Report -- No. 9.)

On motion of Dr. Dr. J. C. Furman, a Committee was appointed to nominate delegates to the Southern Baptist Convention. Committee: brethren Townes, Dargan, Watkins.

On motion of Prof. Judson, it was agreed that the collection taken up on yesterday be equally divided between the several Boards of the convention.

The Committee on minutes and letters of corresponding bodies reported, through their Chairman, Brother Phelps, "that no communications had come into their hands which claim the attention of this Convention."

Brother Carson offered the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted:

Whereas, we have learned that Dr Howell, Brother Ford, and some others, are now confined in the State Penitentiary in Nashville, Tennessee, for refusing to take the oath of allegiance to the United States, therefore,

Resolved, That the sympathies of this body be tendered to Dr. Howell, Brother Ford, and such other brethren as may be suffering persecution for their devotion to the cause of their country; that we look with admiration on their constancy and fortitude, and that we will not cease to pray that their strength fail not, and that they may speedily be released.

The Committee to nominate delegates to the Southern Baptist Convention submitted their report, which was adopted. (See Report -- No. 10.)

On motion, Brother J. C. Furman was appointed to prepare a notice of the death of our late Brother, A. E. McIver, to be printed with these Minutes. He subsequently furnished the following:

Whereas, very soon after the last meeting of this Convention, our beloved brother, Allen E. McIver, M. D., of Darlington, was removed from the sphere of his earthly labors, while in the fullness of his strength and in the midst of his usefulness; and whereas Brother McIver, a consistent Christian from his boyhood, and esteemed by all who knew him for his religious activity, for his genial cheerful, devout spirit, had taken a lively interest in the general welfare of the denomination, and had given to the objects of
this Convention his efficient and valuable service; therefore,

Resolved, That in the death of Brother McIver we have experienced a
serious loss, and that we recognize the event as an occasion that a summons us to Christian resignation.

Resolved, That as his life was an impressive and lovely display of the
refining influence of Divine grace, it is matter of holy pleasure to know
that the short and violent illness which preceded his death was an equal
display of the supporting power of that grace. Blessed with everything which could make life desirable, our lamented brother was yet ready to go,
when it was made manifest as God's will that he must die. On his dying
bed he was the same cheerful, happy Christian that he was in the days of
bodily vigor.

Resolved, That this Convention, feeling their own loss, deeply sympathize
with the bereaved family of our brother; with the Church of which he was
a member; and with the Welsh Neck Association, at whose future meetings the manly form, the quick, earnest voice, and the hearty labors of our beloved brother will be greatly missed.

On motion of Brother Judson, it was

Resolved, That fifteen hundred copies of the Minutes be printed, and that the Constitution and Rules for the Transaction of Business be omitted from the Minutes of the current year.

Brother Boyce presented the report of the Committee on deceased ministers, which was adopted (See Report -- No. 11.)

On motion Of Brother W. D. Rice, it was agreed that half an hour again be spent in devotional exercises.

On motion, the thanks of the Convention were tendered to the brethren
of Greenville for their hospitable entertainment of the Convention; to the several railroad companies for their reduction of fare, and to the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches of Greenville for the use of their houses of worship.

On motion, it was

Resolved, That the thanks of this body be tendered to our Brother, Hon. J. B. O'Neall, President of this Convention, for the kind and courteous manner in which he has discharged the duties of his office.

The Convention then adjourned, to meet at Darlington C. H. on Friday before the last Sunday in July, 1863.

4. -- REPORT OF THE EDUCATION BOARD.

This Board has not been able to accomplish anything since the last meeting of the Convention.

The following report, which was presented at the last meeting of the Convention, in Spartanburg, was not placed in the hands of the Secretary in time for publication, on account of the absence of the Treasurer, whose report was deemed necessary to the completeness of that of the Secretary of this Board.
The Education Board has been greatly embarrassed in its operations during the last year (1860 -- '61). The Secretary made application by private letters addressed to the Churches, and the President made an appeal through the Southern Baptist, which efforts resulted in obtaining contributions from two or three Churches only.

With these funds the Board has assisted three young men who were pursuing their studies in the University, and the Board has pledged for their support several hundred dollars beyond its resources.

Quite a number of students have been prosecuting their studies in the Theological Seminary, who needed aid, and who would have been under the necessity of discontinuing their studies, had not money, to the amount of several hundred dollars, been advanced them by the liberality of a few individuals, who ought not to be so severely taxed for this object.

This Board ought to be able to render efficient aid to ten or twelve young men from year to year; whilst its resources have scarcely enabled it to sustain one. Will not brethren who feel interested in this object bring it before their Churches, and urge upon them the necessity of regular annual contributions to this Board, in addition to what they an doing for their own beneficiaries. Must the pledges which have been made to beneficiaries be paid by the individual members of the Board, or will the Churches assist in this important work?

Although most of our young men are now in the service of their country, it is hoped that the Churches and Associations will continue their efforts to raise funds for this object, which will be greatly needed as soon as it shall be practical for young men to return to their studies.

5.--REPORT OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL AND COLPORTAGE BOARD.

The Sunday School and Colportage Board report to the Convention: That in accordance with the recommendation of the Committee in their last year's report, they continued their operations in the important work assigned them, under the general superintendence of their active and efficient agent, Brother Rice, to the first of December last. The General Superintendent, finding everywhere the hearts of people warmly enlisted in the spiritual welfare of our soldiers, and looking to the Board to meet, in a great measure, this urgent want, and finding it difficult, on account of the excitement and all-absorbing interest of the war, to maintain efficiently both of the two great interests committed to them, determined, for the time, to devote their labors principally to the cause of colportage. To this direction of their labors the Board felt that they were guided by the clear leadings of Providence. At the close of the year, the Board determined to continue the valuable labors of Brother Rice -- this generous and self-denying brother, on account of his love for the work, expressing a willingness to depend upon Providence and his own success for a compensation for his labors. We have not been disappointed in our expectations. There has been, and still continues, a great enthusiasm throughout the country on the subject of colportage in the army. In view of this most interesting state of things, the Board felt bound to waive all considerations, for the present, of denominational lines and peculiarities. They have confined themselves to the publication and distribution of tracts entirely undenominational, which have been scattered, without money and without price, among our suffering soldiery. Pursuing this course, our Superintendent has received everywhere the cordial sympathy and support of our own and other denominations of Christians. We now have in press a valuable tract from the pen of Dr. Thornwell, and have printed and circulated another interesting tract, on the subject of temperance, written by the Rev. J. Harris, of the Presbyterian Church. The Board and their agent have received the warm sympathy and most timely cooperation of brethren Huckins and Winkler, of Charleston. These excellent brethren, without stint or hesitancy, have given their time and labors to the Board in the composition of tracts, and in the general superintendency of printing them. The Lord reward these dear brethren, and all others who have done like them, for their trouble and self-denying labors.

The Board respectfully call attention to the fact that the pledges made two years ago for the salary of their General Superintendent, have not yet been redeemed.

For all specific information, we refer the Convention to the report of the General Superintendent, herewith respectfully submitted.

6.-- REPORT OF THE GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT OF SUNDAY SCHOOLS AND COLPORTAGE.

Immediately after the meeting of the last Convention, it came to the knowledge of your General Superintendent that there was in the army a very large deficiency of all religious reading, as well as the almost universal absence of the New Testament. One Chaplain, applying for New Testaments, said: "I do not believe fifty men in the regiment have brought New Testaments with them." Upon consultation with many brethren, whose judgment was valued, it was determined that the religious interests of our soldiers demanded immediate attention on the part of the Colportage Board. Whereupon your General Superintendent addressed himself at once to the matter of receiving funds for the purposes indicated,
And is gratified to be able to state that he has succeeded, to some extent, in supplying our brave men with those means whereby some have been made wise unto salvation.

The contributions to this work by the various Associations visited, were, in many cases, beyond our expectations; while they were made with tears and prayers for God's blessing to rest upon the enterprise.

Responses, too, by, Churches, and individuals, and societies, to circulars issued at various times, have been equally hearty from all parts of the State.
state.

The deep interest shown, not only by contributions of money, but by "kind words" and earnest prayers, attending these gifts, makes the memory of whatever has been done most pleasing.

One mother, to whom we had made no appeal, said: "You, sir are engaged in visiting our soldiers, and sending them Bibles and tracts? I have a son in the army; I would not be afraid of his being killed; I have given him to the country; but, sir, I should have no hope in his death. Here is a contribution I which I have been wanting to give. Can you not throw some religious influence about my dear boy? Oh! I if I could but know he was a child of God, I could bear it all.

The very best evidences, too, are had that the soldiers themselves are grateful for this concern for their spiritual interests.

Rev. Tilman R. Gains, who was at the time of writing a colporter of the Board, says: "After preaching, I told the soldiers who those who were present that I had some New Testaments to distribute to those who were desirous of obtaining them. As I did not have my Testaments at the tent that night, I told them that at eight o'clock the next morning I would give them out to those who called. But before leaving the tent that night, many of them came to speak for Testaments. At eight the next morning I appeared in the tent door, and soon was surrounded by soldiers, crying, 'I will take one of your Testaments,' and in less than fifteen minutes the last one of

the lot was in the hands of the soldiers. Very few of them were given out of one company. While I was distributing, members of other companies chanced to pass by, and would ask 'How do you sell your New Testaments?' Our dear soldiers are hungering and thirsting for the Word of Life."

Rev. J. G. Landrum writes: "The soldiers do not wait for me to go among them to distribute, but they crowd around my tent by scores, asking for something to read. They receive and read with eagerness. I require them to read and return, and take others, which they do punctually. I am much pleased with the work of a COLPORTER. I had no idea it was so pleasant an employment." Again he writes. "I have supplied two regiments from North Carolina. Soldiers read with eagerness and seeming delight the tracts and books which I am almost daily placing in their hands. I have just conversed with a Lieutenant, who, I fear, is on his death-bed, but who is rejoicing in hope of eternal life through a pardoning Redeemer. I have found the goodness of God and his Promises true in a camp life as well as in the sanctuary at home; and that faithful labors, wherever bestowed, shall not be in vain."

Rev. J. M. Bostick says: "The regulars, even Catholics, took the tracts with eagerness. In no instance were they refused, or even treated with indifference. I have found the work a pleasant one, though I have seen with distress a very great degree of wickedness among some of the soldiers. I find them all more or less accessible, and have been able to speak plainly to some of them. I have sometimes found a room with twenty men, who had neither Bible nor Testament among them. There were several such cases."

Rev. H. B. McCallum writes: "I am in receipt of a bundle containing
tracts and camp hymns. The tracts are on subjects much needed in camp.
The one on the observance of the Sabbath will do much good. The camp hymns supply a want long felt by Chaplains. The selection of hymns I think very fine." At another time he writes: "These little messengers (tracts) are doing much good. I like much the one-paged tracts of your
Recent publications. In an evening's walk last week, I met two young men
who had together retired to the woods to read and meditate upon 'Doderidge's Rise and Progress,' which I had loaned to them a short time previous. One of them said to me that he felt it to be much better to have a
good book to read than to spend their time in idleness. I shall be glad to
get a number of good small books for a 'circulating library.' I shall be
glad for another supply of tracts. One in particular, I think I could use to
great advantage -- 'The Swearer's Prayer.' I find that the soldiers generally receive tracts eagerly, and I believe many read with the proper
spirit. Again: I sometimes see a group of soldiers listening attentively
while one of their number reads a tract, and I have no doubt many hearts
are strengthened by this exercise -- many good resolutions formed."

Rev. H. B. McCallum writes again: "The camp hymns have just arrived. I distributed a few throughout the regiment, and such was the eagerness of the soldiers to possess a copy -- so many came to me asking them -- my supply is well-nigh gone, and would have been entirely exhausted, had I not
retained a few to distribute in three companies that were on picket. I can
think of no tract which will exercise so happy an influence on the morals of
of the camp as this little volume of hymns.

Rev. J. F. Buist says: "The men were as happy to welcome the arrival of the camp hymns as I was. Applications for them are great. They are extremely popular. Every man desires one for himself. Since their arrival, the singing at night is not only general, but of the most heart-stirring and reviving character -- I thank God for their publication. I feel that one of the great wants of the camp have been met. I feel glad to write you that the word of truth is having its effect in this regiment. One has professed conversion; another appears anxious to a saving interest in Jesus." Again he writes: "I rejoice to be a colporter. The little messengers are silently doing their work. I but speak truthfully, when I say that the tract cause is a powerful instrumentality. A Lieutenant, the other day, who had been reading the little tract, 'One Hundred Years Hence,'
was deeply impressed with it, and said to me: 'Chaplain, that tract is
enough to reach the hardest heart.' It would cheer your heart, could you see how the soldiers flock around me, anxious to receive a tract. I have
never yet presented a soldier with a tract but he would say, in return, 'I thank you, sir.' "

Rev. W. B. Carson writes: "The camp hymns are in great demand, and I think are doing doing much good. Much of the time formerly spent in card-playing is now spent in singing these sweet hymns. Please send me one thousand copies of the hymns, and some eight or ten thousand pages of tracts. Many may be distributed among the surrounding regiments." Again he writes: "The tracts and hymns are always eagerly received by the soldiers. I hope and believe many of them will bless you and your 'labor of love' in eternity for the instruction and comfort afforded them. Reading is taking the place of hurtful amusements."

Rev. W. E. Wattus, who has been laboring in Virginia, reports that the soldiers there are moved with emotion when they are reminded that Christian friends at home are concerned for their spiritual interest. Instances are narrated in which the big tear tells how deeply the toil-worn soldier is moved by the presentation of a tract or Testament in the name of the loved ones at home.

Rev. J. M. Bunion has also been employed in Virginia by the Board, in the distribution of tracts, Bibles, &c. His experience is the experience of every man who has labored among soldiers, namely, that they are most susceptible of religious impressions, and are ever grateful for any interest in their spiritual well-being.

Rev. E. W. Horn has also been engaged for the Board in the distribution of New Testaments, tracts, &c. He says that "Soldiers crowd about him when he has any religious reading for them." His regiment went into the service with, as he reports, only fifty New Testaments. This want was very largely met by the Board.

Rev. A. Chambliss was for several months in the employment of the Board as a colporter. He spent much of his time in the hospitals and among the regiments in and near Charleston. The many regiments visited by him pressed about him with great eagerness for Bibles, hymn-books, and tracts. In the hospitals, the soldiers evinced the most lively gratitude for any attentions to their spiritual wants. Many and interesting incidents, were there witnessed, by him, which, if it were possible to narrate before the people, must stir the heart of every Christian man and every lover of his country.

Rev. James Huckins, who has been laboring for the past six months as a colporter of this Board, has been engaged in the hospitals in Charleston and in the regiments quartered there. Brother Huckins has almost daily been in attendance upon the sick. He has found there that the mourner's tears have been dried, and the penitent has been made to rejoice in the pardoning love of the Redeemer, in many instances just before the spirit took its flight to the heavenly land. The sick in the hospitals have been largely dependent on Brother Huckins for spiritual consolation and the dead for a decent burial. He has also distributed, in the hospitals and in the camp, from five to ten thousand pages tracts daily, as well as good books and New Testaments. He reports eleven conversions in the hospitals.

Rev. S. S. Kirby has also been engaged in the work as a colporter of this Board. He has visited many of the camps on the line of the coast between Charleston and Savannah, and in Savannah. The soldiers, everywhere he went, exhibited much interest in the reception of tracts, Testaments, and camp hymns. He represents the soldiers as pressing around him as hungry men for bread. Their Anxiety for hymn books was such that hundreds would be taken in a few minutes.

The brethren named, together with others who have labored for shorter periods, have placed in the hands of our soldiers, since the last meeting of the Convention, one million seven hundred thousand pages tracts, periodicals, and books. Many of these tracts were purchased, many contributed by friends of the colportage work from various parts of South Carolina, but the larger proportion were given by friends in Charleston, through Rev. James Huckins. In January last, the supply spoken above began to be exhausted, while the demand for religious reading among the troops was constantly increasing.

The efforts of the Board had been, up to this time, equally divided between the distribution of the New Testament and the circulation of religious reading. Two thousand nine hundred and ninety-six New Testaments had

been scattered among the soldiers, and at the time of the fall of Nashville
(about this time) we had in the hands of C. A. Fuller, Treasurer Bible Board Southern Baptist Convention, four hundred and thirty-eight dollars, for additional purchases, but the enemy having possession of that city, it became impossible to obtain any further supplies. Whereupon the Board determined, at its meeting in January, to issue tracts to meet the demand as far as possible. Since which time they have made the following publications:

Forty-seven in all, and one million five hundred and eighty thousand pages,
together with those previously named, as having been purchased and contributed, makes the total operation of the Board, since August last, three million two hundred and eighty thousand pages.

RECAPITULATION.

1,700,000 pages tracts purchased and contributed.

1,580,000 pages tracts printed.

2,996 New Testaments distributed.

$4,234 85 received as contributions.

$3,500 96 expended.

$733 89 in the Treasury.

500,000 pages tracts on hand for distribution.

12 brethren engaged as colporters.

The various Associations were visited since August last by your General Superintendent, and at many of them interesting Sunday School meetings were held, usually on Sunday afternoon. The liveliest interest was manifested on these occasions, both by the people and the delegates attending, in the good work of teaching the little children. As, however, the year wore away, and demand after demand was made upon the country for men to defend our altars and our fires, Sunday School teachers and pupils

responded in so large numbers that in very many instances the schools were without any male member to superintend its affairs, and they remain in that suspended condition till now. The response to many of the reports sent to the various Sunday Schools to be filled out, is: "Our Superintendent and all of our male teachers are gone to the war -- we have no school in operation." In many instances the reply is, "Please report as last year. Our Superintendent is absent in the army, and we do not know how to report. Our school, though small, is regularly kept up." There is, nevertheless, a very decided Sunday School interest in many portions of the State, but in most instances, where there is interest, it is kept up by the female members of the Churches.

The statistical table, herewith submitted, shows that the whole number of schols heard from so far is 173, with 1,400 teachers, and 7,600 scholars. Whole number of books, 22,725 volumes. There have been 215 conversions, and $430 05 contributed for benevolent purposes.

11. -- REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON NOTICE OF DECEASED MINISTERS.

The Committee on notice of deceased Ministers, beg leave respectfully to report, that in the providence of God, several brethren have passed from the scene of their earthly labors. Each of them, in his respective sphere of duty, labored for the cause of Christ with diligence and fervor. Of some of them your Committee are unable to communicate such particulars as would show forth the full extent of their untiring zeal and pious labors.

The Rev. JOSEPH T. COPELAND was "among the first members of the Moriah Association, and served her faithfully and acceptably until he became, from afflictions, unable to do so." He was instrumental, in the hands of God, of doing a great deal of good. Many living witnesses can testify to his usefulness in the cause of his Redeemer. He was very zealous, and the great aim of his life was to proclaim the good news of salvation. He submitted patiently to the afflictions of his latter years, and calmly received the summons of his Divine Master, being in the seventy-third year of his age.

The Rev. JOEL GULLEGE died at even a more advanced age, being in his
ninety-first year when summoned to his home above, and departed, in the triumphs of faith, on the 14th of December, 1860.

The Rev. THOMAS RAY was also a veteran soldier of the Cross and Minister of the Gospel. A long life of usefulness testified to his earnest devotion to his Master, and to the presence of God with him in his labors. He was a man preëminently fond of social religious conversation with his brethren, and on such occasions manifested himself as one of deep thought and earnest piety. He was the beloved guide of a large number of his brethren, who looked up to him as a father, and felt the blessed influence of his truly sympathizing heart. He was a man of liberality, and was ever ready for any good word and work.

The Rev. W. T. SANDERS was a minister of the Barnwell Association,
And was one of the most active in its establishment. After a brief course
of study in the Furman Institution, he devoted himself to the work of the ministry, with great acceptance and usefulness. After the commencement
of the present national struggle for independence, he felt it to be his duty to enter the army as a soldier, and was readily elected the captain of the
company which he joined, being one attached to the Seventeenth Regiment
of South Carolina Volunteers. While in this sphere of duty, he was attacked by a disease which proved fatal. His loss to the denomination in the State is deeply deplored, and in his own Association it is almost irreparable. He was very active in forwarding the various benevolent movements of the day.

The Rev. W. E. PHILLIPS was a licentiate connected with the Tyger River Association. He had been graduated at the Furman University, and had entered the Southern Baptist Seminary as a student Of divinity, when the landing of the enemy at Port Royal fired his ardent heart, and led him to join the Sixteenth Regiment South Carolina Volunteers. His abilities as an officer and piety as a Christian were there fully exemplified. His early loss by disease is greatly to be deplored. His mind of more than ordinary power, and his habits of intense application, would have fitted him to occupy a prominent position in the ministry.

The Rev. W. HITT died in the summer of 1861, aged about fifty years. His membership was in the Bethabarah Church, in Reedy River Association. His father, Rev. Henry Hitt, was one of the pioneer Baptist Preachers in that region, and widely useful. The son was a very zealous and earnest man, highly esteemed in the part of the country where he labored. His death is deplored by a large number of brethren, attendants on his ministry.

The Rev. ELBERT LINDSAY died in April, 1862, aged about sixty years. He was ordained by the Bush River Church, where he generally had his membership. He had charge of various Churches, among them that at Newberry Court House. At the time of his death he was the supply of the Hurricane Church, in Reedy River Association. He was a faithful and useful Minister -- his preaching sometimes rising to high excellence.

The Rev. J. J. FURZE, a Minister of the Savannah River Association, has also entered the rest which remaineth for the people of God. He had
enjoyed more than ordinary opportunities of study, and had pursued a course of Theology in the Seminary of the Presbyterian Church, located in Columbia. He had thus been fitted for more than ordinary usefulness. With a heart full of devotion to Christ, and a mind thus trained and instructed, he was enabled with great acceptance to break the bread of life to the edification of the Churche he served. He was another of those, who, though blessed with education, and in a state of comfortable independence, have felt it their duty to enter the service of the country as soldiers. He became a private in one of the regiments of South Carolina, and died a victim to disease.

Another of our rising ministry, who thus has been cut off in the service of his country, was the Rev. B. F. NICHOLES, a son of the Rev. Isaac Nicholas. He was yet a student of the Furman University when the Brooks Troop, of the Hampton Legion, was raised at Greenville Court House, and with others of his
fellow-students enrolled himself in that corps. He had been recently licensed by the Bethel Church, of the Charleston Association, of which his father is Pastor, and bright hopes were entertained of a life of great future usefulness. But the shaft of death came, and these hopes of earthly usefulness were blasted -- but blasted only to be exchanged for the brighter and more certain fruition of everlasting glory.

Rev. C. M. Breaker was a student for some years in the Furman Institution at the High Hills of Santee. His first pastoral charge was at Georgetown, whence he removed to Camden, and thence to Selma, Alabama. He subsequently became the proprietor and editor of the Alabama Baptist. After giving up the charge of this paper, he removed to Charleston, South Carolina, but his health having failed, his physician enjoined upon him that he should desist from the active work of the ministry. He, however, preached occasionally. By the advice of his physician he went to Philadelphia, and while there, on attendance at a prayer meeting, was taken ill and died suddenly.
Thus does it appear that God has deeply afflicted his Churches in this state during the past year. A much larger number of deaths than usual are here placed on record. Is it not a call upon the Churches to humble themselves before the Lord of the harvest, and pray that He would send forth more laborers into the whitened harvest. Is it not instructive to the ministry to be yet more faithful and diligent, and ever ready, so that when the Master knocks we may open to Him the door immediately.

JAMES P. BOYCE, Chairman.

THE TABLE OF STATISTICS OF ASSOCIATIONS, FOR 1861,

Is omitted, because the Minutes of only a few of the Associations have been received, and it would delay too long the publication of these Minutes to wait till the balance could be obtained. In order to prevent this omission in the future, and to insure the earliest possible publication of the Convention Minutes, the Clerk of each Association is earnestly requested to send to the Secretary, in Columbia, a copy of the Minutes of his Association, as soon as they are printed.

The reports of the Faculty and Treasurer of Furman University, and of the Executive Committee of the Female College, were severally referred to the following Committee: Dargan, Nicholes, and Lide.

Adjourned, to meet at the call of the President.

MONDAY MORNING, July 28.

The Board met at the call of the President. Prayer by Brother Hinton.

The Committee on the report of the Faculty submitted their report, as follows:

Your Committee, while they regret the necessity which has compelled the suspension of the exercises of the University -- to wit, the enlistment of the young men in the army -- cannot but admire the patriotic devotion to their country's cause, which they have thus evinced. They approve of the establishment of the school for boys, which is now in operation, chiefly under the direction of Professor Edwards, and trust that it may continue

to increase in numbers. With reference to the fact stated in the report of the Faculty, that in consequence of a reduction in the corps of instructors in the Female College, and in compliance with an application by Professor Twitty, Professors Furman and Judson had engaged as assistants in that Institution, the Committee concur in the propriety, under present circumstances, of such a direction being given to the labors of those brethren; and they would respectfully suggest that they be regularly employed in this Institution so long as the suspension of Furman University continues. They think the interests of the Female College might be materially advanced, for the time, by placing Professor Furman at its head, and Professor Judson in charge of some one or more of its departments. This arrangement might secure an amount of patronage which would not only better sustain the original instructors, but afford some income to those thus temporarily engaged. We would, therefore, propose that the Professors of the University do what they can towards the procurement of an income, both from the primary school and the Female College, and that the balance of their salary be made good from the usual source.

J. O. B. DARGAN, Chairman.

The report was concurred in.

The Committee on the Treasurer's report, reported that
they found the same correct. In accordance with their recommendation, the Treasurer was instructed to comply with the request of Mr. McBee in relation to the substitution of a new bond for the old one now held by him; and was authorized, with the consent of the obligors, to transfer certain bonds of the University to the Theological Seminary, in part payment of the amount due that Institution.

The resignation of Brother R. G. Edwards as a member of the Board was accepted, and a vote of thanks passed for his faithful services while on the Board.

Authorized the Executive Committee, (if they shall deem it advisable for the interests of the University,) to sell six acres of land of the University, including the dwelling-house and premises.

Resolved, That the permission given to the Treasurer at the last meeting of the board, and found in the Abstract of Minutes, on page 128 of the Minutes of the Convention, to "use a portion of the principal as a loan," was not intended to supply any deficiency of the income to meet the current expenses of the University, but as a temporary arrangement, on account of the difficulty of collecting the interest due -- the money so used to be invested as principal, as soon as the interest due can be collected.

The President submitted a letter from Professor Boyce, to which he was requested to respond. And the Treasurer was instructed to settle interest due on bond of the University to the Theological Seminary, and, if expedient, to borrow money for the said purpose.

Adjourned, to meet at Darlington on Thursday before the last Sabbath in July, 1863, at 9 o'clock, A. M.